What's the best way to choose your online networking platform?

1 Know your purpose

Before you sign up for any online networking platform, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Are you looking for a job, a mentor, a partner, or a client? Are you interested in learning new skills, sharing your expertise, or joining a community? Depending on your purpose, you might want to look for platforms that offer specific features, such as job boards, courses, events, groups, or forums. You also need to consider how much time and effort you're willing to invest in online networking, and how you prefer to communicate with others.

2 Research your options

Once you have a clear purpose, you can start researching the different online networking platforms that match your criteria. You can use online reviews, testimonials, ratings, or recommendations from your existing network to narrow down your choices. You can also browse the platforms' websites, social media pages, blogs, or podcasts to get a sense of their tone, values, and culture. You want to find a platform that aligns with your professional identity, interests, and goals, and that attracts the kind of people you want to connect with.

3 Try it out

The best way to find out if an online networking platform is right for you is to try it out for yourself. Most platforms offer a free trial or a basic membership that allows you to explore their features and benefits. You can use this opportunity to create a profile, join conversations, attend events, or send messages to potential contacts. You can also measure your results by tracking how many connections, leads, referrals, or opportunities you generate from the platform. You want to find a platform that delivers value, engagement, and satisfaction for your online networking efforts.

4 Diversify your portfolio

While it's important to choose an online networking platform that suits your needs and preferences, you don't have to limit yourself to one option. You can benefit from diversifying your portfolio and joining multiple platforms that cater to different aspects of your professional development. For example, you might use LinkedIn for building your reputation and credibility, Facebook for joining groups and communities, Twitter for staying updated and informed, or Instagram for showcasing your work and personality. You can also use niche platforms that focus on specific industries, topics, or audiences. The key is to balance your online networking activities and optimize your presence across different platforms.

5 Keep it fresh

Online networking is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires constant attention and improvement. You need to keep your online networking platform updated and relevant to your current situation and goals. You also need to keep engaging with your existing and potential contacts by sharing valuable content, providing feedback, asking questions, or offering help. You also need to keep learning from your online networking experiences and adapting your strategies accordingly. You want to find a platform that supports your growth and evolution as a professional and a networker.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?